Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 87%

Which of the following represents an appropriate example of the World Health Organization Analgesic Ladder for Cancer Pain Management?

Rationale

Acetaminophen, hydrocodone/ibuprofen, and morphine represent an appropriate example of the World Health Organization Analgesic Ladder for Cancer Pain Management.

The World Health Organization Analgesic Ladder outlines a systematic approach to managing cancer pain, starting with mild analgesics and progressing to stronger opioids. Option B correctly exemplifies this progression by including a non-opioid analgesic (acetaminophen), a weak opioid (hydrocodone, often combined with ibuprofen), and a strong opioid (morphine).

A (diazepam, codeine, and morphine) YOUR ANSWER

This combination does not follow the WHO ladder as it includes diazepam, which is primarily an anxiolytic and not an analgesic. While codeine is a weak opioid, the inclusion of diazepam makes this option inappropriate for cancer pain management.

B (acetaminophen, hydrocodone/ibuprofen, and morphine) CORRECT

This choice correctly illustrates the WHO Analgesic Ladder, beginning with acetaminophen as a non-opioid pain reliever, progressing to hydrocodone (a weak opioid) combined with ibuprofen, and culminating with morphine as a strong opioid for severe pain management.

C (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and methadone) YOUR ANSWER

Although acetaminophen and ibuprofen are suitable for mild pain, methadone is a strong opioid that does not fit into the middle tier of the ladder. Therefore, this combination lacks the proper progression from non-opioids to strong opioids.

D (sustained-release morphine, oral morphine, and subcutaneous morphine) YOUR ANSWER

All options listed here are forms of morphine, which represents only the strongest tier of the ladder. This choice fails to include any lower-tier medications, thus missing the essential stepwise approach outlined by the WHO.

Conclusion

The WHO Analgesic Ladder is designed to provide a structured approach to pain management, emphasizing the stepwise escalation of analgesics based on pain severity. Option B effectively illustrates this approach by including medications from all three levels of the ladder, ensuring appropriate management of cancer-related pain. Other options either neglect the necessary progression or improperly include non-analgesic medications.

Related Questions

View all

Related Quizzes

View all

No related quizzes currently available.

PREMIUM

Unlock Everything

✓ 500+ Practice Questions
✓ Detailed Explanations
✓ Progress Analytics
✓ Exam Simulations

Get Premium Access →